25 Italian Cookies You'll Love

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Make room in your recipe box for your new favorite cookies. From biscotti (this Cranberry Pistachio Biscotti is perfect for the holidays, and this cinnamon-sugar version will rival your favorite snickerdoodle recipe) to celebration-worthy Italian Wedding Cookies and traditional Pizzelles, you'll find exactly what you're looking for in this collection of our best Italian cookies.

01 of 25

Italian Cookies I

Italian cookies with sprinkles
Kelincal

These light and fluffy Italian cookies are sweet, but not too sweet. Plus, this recipe comes together with only six ingredients in about half an hour.

02 of 25

Kathy's Italian Cookies

iced italian cookies with sprinkles

"Was looking for a recipe like my husband's grandmother and this was it," says reviewer Jeanmarie Kerkowski Anicito. "These are excellent and so easy to make ... thank you for sharing!"

03 of 25

Italian Butterball Cookies

powdered sugar italian butter cookies on plate
Fernanda Imbrogno

Smooth, chewy, and perfectly sweet, this old family recipe is traditionally served around the holidays — but you'll want to make it all year long.

04 of 25

Ricotta Cookies

ricotta cookies with icing and colorful sprinkles on a glass plate
Frank

Ricotta cheese gives these fluffy cookies a deliciously unexpected tanginess that everyone will absolutely love.

05 of 25

Amaretti

Amaretti
Photo by Lainey.

Though it looks quite different than today's coconut cookies, traditional Italian amaretti (which is deliciously nutty, thanks to the almonds) is actually an ancestor to macaroons. Read more about the connection here.

06 of 25

Cranberry Pistachio Biscotti

pieces of Cranberry Pistachio Biscotti lined up
Rob Tanner

Not only is this fruit- and nut-packed biscotti gorgeous (and super festive-looking), but it's absolutely delicious.

07 of 25

Pizzelles

A tall stack of wafer cookies on a white plate, with one turned sideways to show off the flower design
ThatStephanie

This ancient waffle cookie is truly a showstopper, but it's easier to make these intricate designs than you might think. All you need is a pizzelle press! A top-rated Cuisinart model comes with a traditional pizzelle recipe book.

08 of 25

Italian Fig Cookies

italian fig cookies with red and green sprinkles
Elsa Nourian

This traditional Italian recipe is a labor of love, but these fig cookies are so worth the work. They're super freezer-friendly, so feel free to make this treat ahead of time.

09 of 25

Pignoli

pignoli cookies on a rack
linda ch

These nutty cookies are so soft and chewy, you'll be surprised to learn they're completely flourless. This is a great option for the gluten-free cookie lovers in your life.

10 of 25

Cantuccini

Ca

Cantucci, a form of crunchy biscotti, is an almond cookie that is almost impossible to stop eating. For the full Italian experience, serve with hot coffee.

11 of 25

Mom's Nut Horns

Mom's Nut Horns

"Delicious! I made them a little smaller and rolled them into granulated sugar after I removed them from the oven," says reviewer Christina. "These are gonna be a new cookie tradition in our family ... everyone LOVED them — yum! Thanks for sharing."

12 of 25

Italian Almond Cookies II

Italian Almond Cookies II

"Without a doubt the BEST chewy almond cookie I've found," raves user Dutchmommy. "My daughter and I thought we had tasted the best one in Europe on a recent trip but these are even better!"

13 of 25

D'Amaretti Biscotti

almond biscotti with coffee
Deb C

Looking for a great biscotti to pair with your coffee? This recipe is super customizable, so you can adapt it to fit your palate. For instance, use anise instead of almond extract or throw in some chocolate chips.

14 of 25

Gina's Italian Butter Cookies

Gina's Italian Butter Cookies
NIGGI823

These are traditional "Italian-American bakery-style butter cookies that will make you feel like you bought them from your favorite local bakery in New York," according to recipe creator NIGGI823.

15 of 25

Italian Anisette Cookies

yellow Italian Anisette Cookies with white icing

"A great and unique cookie recipe," says reviewer M. McBride. "Everyone loved them. They are very light and fluffy with a great flavor."

16 of 25

Italian Wedding Cookies II

Italian Wedding Cookies II
Courtney Putnam

These tri-colored bar cookies are traditionally served at weddings and around the holidays, but they're sure to be a welcome sight at any celebration.

17 of 25

Italian Cream Cake Cookies

Italian Cream Cake Cookies
Martha

If you like Italian Cream Cake, you'll love these cute and easy bite-sized desserts.

18 of 25

Italian Easter Cookies

Italian Easter Cookies

"These are just like my Nonna and my Mother made," says reviewer CARM DAVENPORT. "I could never find the exact recipe but this is really close. I made a batch for a cookie exchange and I've had to make them three more times to have any left for Christmas Eve. Very good!!!"

19 of 25

Ricciarelli

Riciarelli on white plate
Allrecipesphoto

Ricciarelli are Italian almond cookies that date back to the 14th-century. Make these traditional treats for your next special occasion.

20 of 25

Aunt Anne's Sesame Cookies

sesame cookies cooling
Chip Birge

"After trying my hand at countless sesame cookie recipes, my Italian girlfriend shared her Aunt Anne's recipe and I knew my search had ended," says recipe creator DianeF. "Basically an anise flavored butter cookie covered in sesame seeds. The smell when removing them from the oven is wonderful!"

21 of 25

Regina (Queen's Biscuit)

Regina (Queen's Biscuits)
WOODSTCK

Biscotti Regina are small Italian cookies coated in sesame seeds. This recipe is perfect for people who love a salty-sweet flavor combination.

22 of 25

Biscotti Toscani

biscotti Toscanini with chocolate drizzle and almonds
Jan Anderson

"They are absolutely delicate and delicious," according to reviewer misscarolb. "I love biscotti and these have that perfect subtle taste. I did bake mine slightly longer the second time around (about 8 mins per side) because I like my biscotti really crunchy. Can't wait to share with friends and family I know they'll be impressed!"

23 of 25

Cinnamon Sugar Biscotti

Cinnamon Sugar Biscotti
SHORECOOK

This absolutely irresistible Italian take on the cinnamon-packed snickerdoodle is too good to pass up.

24 of 25

Ravioli Dolce

154743 Ravioli Dolci (Sweet Ravioli) photo by Anita Louise McKennon-Paxton resized

Who doesn't love ravioli? These sweet little dumplings are filled with cherry preserves, but you can use whatever fruit you want.

25 of 25

Italian Cheesecake Cookies

Italian Cheesecake Cookies
Photo by Pam Ziegler Lutz.

These miniature cheesecakes are "a little bite of heaven," according to recipe creator Rita. Top with the sauces, fruits, or nuts of your choice.

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